While bruschetta is king of the eight regular small plate offerings, the seasonal risotto rules over the large dish items.

You won't find super-secret ingredients in this dish, either. Vegetable stock. Asiago cheese. Arborio rice. Those are the constants. The vegetables? Those do change seasonally says co-owner Adam Carlson. Come summer, chefs will walk through the nearby farmers market to pick up seasonal favorites from spring asparagus to fall squash. Chicken, salmon and shrimp are available add-ons, but aren't necessary to relish this dish.

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Seasonal risotto, vegetable selections are made by what's available, includes the option to add salmon, shrimp or chicken at Gardina's Wine Bar & Cafe in Oshkosh.(Photo11: Daniel Higgins/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

In a way, the risotto represents two aspects that have earned Gardina's high marks from diners since opening in 2010. That's right, Carlson's co-owners John Carlson and Julie Wolk (Adam's father and aunt respectively) decided to try the restaurant business — for the first time, mind you — during the recession.

A focused menu that offers familiar choices to regulars who like the comfort of a favorite dish, like the bruschetta, but also a menu that regularly features chef specials that are wide-ranging in tastes.

Nightly specials, says Carlson, provide a creative outlet for chefs.

A recent wine pairing dinner, a regularity at Gardina's, featured Indian cuisine. Past dinner themes have included Mediterranean, French and Italian. Beer lovers, rejoice, Carlson has those pairing options as well. Or you can abstain from alcoholic pairings. With beer or wine pairings expect to pay $35 to $45 per person. A bit less for those without the drinks.

John and Julie chose their mother's maiden name for the restaurant that is also home to McKnight & Carlson Wines. Which is nice, if you want to enjoy a nice meal and then a bottle of wine at home later. Or in my case Funk Factory Geuzeria Meerts with tart cherries beer, as recommended by Carlson.

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Gardina's Wine Bar & Cafe in Oshkosh features a menu that's a mix of favorites like risotto and bruschetta as well as nightly features.(Photo11: Daniel Higgins/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)